MANILA – A political analyst claimed that former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. benefited from President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision not to endorse any presidential candidate in the national elections.
According to Dr. Froilan Calilung, who teaches political science in the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Duterte’s silence over his preferred presidential bet turned to Marcos’ advantage because this would free the former senator of being linked to the shortcomings of the current administration.
“Yung hindi pag endorso ni Pangulong Duterte maaring ito ay mas nakabuti pa nga kay frontrunner natin BBM dahil nga kung titignan natin, kung iendorso siya ni Pangulong Duterte (President Duterte’s decision not to endorse our frontrunner BBM benefited him because if President Duterte did endorse him) he has to answer for the shortcomings and pitfalls of the Duterte administration,” he said in an interview over PTV-4.
Duterte’s not endorsing Marcos also meant that the latter is “not beholden” to continue programs and policies started by the current administration, Calilung said.
“He can start on a clean slate and he could actually forward his platform based on his own merits na hindi naka-angkla kay President (without being anchored on President) Duterte. I think ‘yun ‘yung mas nakabuti pa sa kanya (I think that is what really benefitted him),” he added.
According to Calilung, Marcos did not need the President’s backing because he was already comfortably ahead based on the polls.
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